Firefighting monitor and control system therefor

ABSTRACT

A firefighting monitor system includes a monitor, a controller selectively generating signals to the monitor for controlling the monitor, and a computer. The computer is configured to receive input from a user relative to the monitor or the controller. The computer generates an output based on the input, and the output is transmitted to the controller for controlling the monitor or the controller in accordance with the output.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority and the benefit of provisionalapplication entitled FIREFIGHTING MONITOR AND CONTROL SYSTEM THEREFOR,Ser. No. 61/171,700, filed Apr. 22, 2009, which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety

The present invention relates to a firefighting monitor and, moreparticularly, to a firefighting monitor with a control system forcontrolling various parameters associated with the firefighting monitor.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Firefighting monitors are used to control the flow of fluid, such aswater, and are typically formed from curved pipe sections that form anoutlet (to which a nozzle is mounted) and an inlet that connects to asupply of fluid. The pipe sections are connected together to form acurved fluid passageway and mounted to allow articulation of the pipesections so that the position of the outlet can be varied.

Monitors may be controlled manually or may be driven by motors, whichare either hardwired or connected via radio frequency transmission to acontroller. Each driven version of monitor typically has a separatephysical configuration based on the communication format that isdesired. Additionally, driven monitors may be configured with differentmotor speeds. For example, most monitors have pipe sections that rotateabout vertical and horizontal axes of rotation. Optionally, each axis ofrotation may have a different motor speed to tailor the travel speeds ofthe outlet to the particular application. For example, for a monitorthat is mounted for washing railroad cars, it may be desirable to have afast horizontal motor for the left to right sweep and a slow verticalmotor because of the limited vertical up and down travel that is needed.

In addition to the different motors and different communication formats,monitors often need different stow configurations and set limits ontheir range of motion. Many of these operational characteristics must bemanually set. In addition to the stowed position and travel limits, inthe case of a radio frequency communication version the RFID must beset. Further, when using more than one control input device, controlprotocols must be set. Also, most controls have resident firmware. Whenfirmware updates are required, these updates typically require physicalchange to the control board of the respective controls.

Accordingly, while current monitors are becoming more and morecustomizable and, hence, specialized in their application eachmodification requires some sort of manual adjustment or setting. Thiscan add to inventory requirements and the cost to the users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a firefighting monitor andcontrol system that allows a monitor to be reconfigured withoutrequiring manual adjustments to the monitor or its control devices. Inthis manner, a single monitor and its associated control input devicesmay be configured and then reconfigured for multiple applications.

In one form of the invention, a firefighting monitor system includes amonitor, a controller for selectively generating signals to the monitorfor controlling the monitor, and a computer. The computer is configuredto receive input from a user relative to the monitor or the controllerand generates an output based on the input, which is then transmitted tothe controller for controlling the monitor or the controller inaccordance with the output from the computer.

In one aspect, the system further includes a portable storage device.The computer is adapted to communicate with the portable storage devicefor storing the output in the portable storage device. The controller isalso adapted to communicate with the portable storage device so that theoutput can be transmitted to the controller by the portable storagedevice.

In a further aspect, the controller also includes user actuatable inputdevices, such as buttons or switches, so that a user may control themonitor with the controller and optionally in a manner consistent withthe output from the computer.

In other aspects, the monitor includes an actuator for changing theposition or configuration of a portion of the monitor, and thecontroller selectively generates signals for controlling the actuatorbased on the output. For example, the monitor may include an inlet andan outlet, with the actuator selectively positioning the outlet relativeto the inlet. Further, the monitor may include two actuators, with oneactuator changing the position of the outlet relative to the inlet abouta first axis, and the other actuator changing the position of the outletrelative to the inlet about a second axis. The controller thenselectively controls the two actuators based on the output. For example,the first axis may comprise a vertical axis, and the second axis maycomprise a horizontal axis.

In other aspects, the actuator selectively controls the shape of thestream through the nozzle.

According to yet other aspects, the actuator may have a variable speedmotor with a motor speed, and the output may include parameters relatingto the speed of the motor. For example, the motor may have selectablespeeds (e.g. select between fast, medium, and slow etc speeds) or may beproportionally varied, for example by a variable input control, such asa joystick. The controller is then able to adjust the motor speed basedon the output.

In any of the above systems, the monitor may also have an adjustabletravel limit, with the controller adjusting the travel limit based onthe output. In another aspect, the monitor may have an adjustable stowedposition, with the controller adjusting the stowed position based on theoutput.

According to yet further aspects, the controller comprises a remotecontroller, and the monitor includes a monitor-based controller and areceiver. The remote controller communicates with the receiver via aradio frequency signal, a serial bus signal, or a CANbus signal.Additionally, the remote controller may be configurable betweengenerating a radio frequency signal, a serial bus signal, or a CANbussignal for communicating with the receiver, which may be based on theoutput from the computer.

Also, in any of the above monitors, the controller includes programmingwhich can be updated based on the output from the computer.

In yet other aspects, the system includes two or more remotecontrollers, and the output may set the priority between the remotecontrollers. In addition, each remote controller may have differentcommunication formats. For example, the controllers may each have bothCAN bus output and an RF receiver and optionally also provide serialcommunication. In this manner, a control unit may communicate withanother control unit using one format and communicate with yet anothercontrol unit with another format. Accordingly, the present inventionprovides monitor that can be quickly and easily modified to suit avariety of different applications through a centralized system tofacilitate the initial setting up of the monitor and also to allow themonitor to be reconfigured without requiring manual adjustments to themonitor or its respective controllers.

These and other objects, advantages, purposes, and features of theinvention will become more apparent from the study of the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a firefighting monitor andcontrol system of the present invention;

FIG. 2A-2F are enlarged views of the monitor of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2G is a parts list for the components shown in FIGS. 2A-2F;

FIGS. 3-8 are screen shots of the user interface for selecting theconfiguration of the monitor; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing of an in-cab position display illustratingthe position of the monitor about both the horizontal and vertical axes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, the numeral 10 generally designates a firefightingmonitor and control system of the present invention. As will be morefully described below, firefighting monitor and control system 10includes a monitor 12 and a computer 14, which is configured to allowthe parameters of the monitor 12 (and its associated controllers) to beselected and modified based on a user's needs so that the monitor can becustomized by the user. As will be more fully described below, computer14 includes a software program that generates a menu to allow a user toselect the different parameters of the monitor and, further, of themonitor's input control devices 16 (e.g. panel mounted control unit 17,monitor based control unit 36, handheld control unit 70, and joystickcontrol unit 72, all described below) to be customized and then modifiedas needed.

Although system 10 is illustrated with a single panel mounted controlunit 17, monitor based control unit 36, handheld control unit 70, andjoystick control unit 72, it should be understood that multiple panelmounted control units (e.g. truck mounted panels), handheld units andjoystick units may be used for each monitor. Further, multiple monitorsmay be used. In the case of multiple panels mounted control units, therewill typically be primary and secondary versions of the panel mountedcontrol unit (primary would have a controller with built in buttons),and for the secondary version the buttons may be optional. In thesecondary version there may be a harness hook up to allow for example,the OEM to provide input from their own devices, such as switches. Inthe case of multiple monitors, each monitor's unique address can be subaddressed. This may be helpful when there are two monitors on a truck,and each monitor is configured differently (e.g. a left or right bumpermonitor and an above cab monitor scenario). By using binary ground codeacross two lines in the monitor power harness, each monitor can bedistinguished and the appropriate stored configuration is activated, andthe appropriate listening address for the control commands may be used.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, monitor 12 includes a plurality of pipesections 18, which are interconnected by a plurality of pivot joints orconnections to form a curved flow path 20 from an inlet 22, whichconnects to a water supply, through a nozzle 24 provided at the outletend 26 of the pipe sections. The various pipe sections are pivoted abouttheir respective pivot joints 28 and 30 by actuators 32 and 34 in theform of motors. Suitable motors comprise sealed motors, which areavailable from Allied Motion. The motors are each controlled by monitorbased control unit 36, which is mounted at the inlet end of the pipesections, and which controls the motors in response to signals receivedfrom panel mount control unit 17. In the illustrated embodiment, panelmount control unit 17 communicates with monitor base controller 36through RF communication, though as will be more fully described belowcontrol unit 17 may be reconfigured to communicate with control unit 36via serial or CANbus communication.

Monitor 12 optionally includes a third actuator 38 in the form of athird motor, which controls the stream through a variable stream nozzle24, and which also may be controlled by monitor based control unit 36 inresponse to signals from remote panel mount control unit 17. Suitablenozzles may include low, mid, or high flow nozzles with variable orfixed flows. For example, the nozzle may incorporate a variable stemsuch as disclosed in U.S. patent application entitled NOZZLE ASSEMBLY,Ser. No. 12/370,372, filing date Feb. 12, 2009 (Attorney Docket: ELK01P-334B), which is incorporated herein in its entirety. For example, asuitable commercially available nozzle may include the RAN nozzle,available from Elkhart Brass Manufacturing of Elkhart, Ind., whichincludes an integral stream shaper and, further, an optional foam tubeattachment.

As noted above, computer 14 may be used to modify the configuration ofmonitor 12 and/or control units 16. Referring now to FIGS. 3-8, as notedabove, computer 14 is includes a computer software program thatgenerates creates a pull-down menu for selecting or adjusting varioussettings or parameters on monitor 12 and also on control units 16. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the software program generates a pluralityof selectable tabs 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d, 40 e, 40 f, and 40 g, witheach tab associated with one or more attributes or parameters of themonitor or control unit. Using a user actuatable input device, such asthe computer keyboard 42 (or a mouse), the user may select one of thetabs, which then opens up a window 44 associated with each tab.

For example, referring to FIG. 3, tab 40 a is associated with themonitor setting and includes a window with a plurality of text boxesassociated with an equal plurality of parameters, which are listed asshown to the left of the text box. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, window 44 a associated with tab 40 a includes a text box forthe serial number of the monitor, for the monitor type, for thecommunication type, for the motor speed in the vertical direction, forthe motor speed for the horizontal direction, and the stow indicatorlogic. The text boxes further may provide a pull-down menu, for examplewhich lists the type of monitor, the type of communication, the type ofmotor speed and the type of stow indicator logic. In this manner, theuser may insert the serial number in text box 46 a and select from thevarious menus in text boxes 48 a, 50 a, 52 a, 54 a, and 56 a. Window 44a optionally includes a screen button 58 a to allow the user to startover. It should be understood that the type of parameters and that thenumber of selections for each pull down menu may be varied and theexamples provided herein are only exemplary.

Referring to FIG. 4, tab 40 b is associated with the type of primarycontrol. For example, when tab 40 b is selected window 44 b is generatedby the software, which includes two text boxes with pull-down menus 46 band 48 b, for example for the primary input control type and the type ofcommunication.

Referring to FIG. 5, tab 40 c is associated with secondary controls andwhen selected, the software displays a window 44 c that similarlyincludes a plurality of text boxes 46 c, 48 c, 50 c, 52 c, 54 c, 56 c,and 58 c. As best understood from the window 44 c, this feature allows auser to select the secondary control units that may be configured tocontrol monitor 12. For example, text boxes 46 c and 48 c are providedto identify an input control type and the type of communication for thatinput device. Similarly, the remaining text boxes provide a selection ofother input control types and their respective type of communications.For example, the controls may include controls available from ElkhartBrass or third party controls, for example controls that can generate aCAN or serial signal, or the like, can be integrated into the system.

Referring to FIG. 6, tab 40 d is associated with the position of theposition display. When position display tab 40 d is selected, thecomputer software generates a window 44 d with a text box 46 d toindicate the type of communication for the position display. Again, inthe illustrated embodiment, text box 46 d provides a pull-down menu.

With reference to FIG. 7, tab 40 e is associated with firmware updatesthat may be provided for the various control units associated withmonitor 12, more fully described below. When the user selects tab 40 e,a window 44 e is generated by the software which indicates if there arefirmware revisions currently available, which may be displayed in asimilar text box fashion or a check box display style shown in FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 9, when tab 40 f is selected, the software programgenerates window listing each of the preceding groups of parameters sothat a user may select which groups or sets of parameters are to besaved to a portable storage device, such as a USB device, fortransmitting to control unit 17. When tab 40 f is selected, the softwaregenerates a window 44 f listing each of the groups of parametersassociated with each of the previous tabs and an associated check box 46f, 48 f, 50 f, 52 f, and 54 f, which when checked indicates that theparameters chosen in the previous windows are to be saved to the USBdevice. Further, an additional text box 46 f may be provided to identifythe location where the computer software can save the settings.Optionally, an additional tab or visual button 58 f may be provided,which initiates the software to save the various settings to the USBdevice. Also provided is a tab 40 g to allow the user to exit theprogram.

Once the various settings are selected by the user using keyboard 42 (ora mouse) are selected and they are saved to USB device 62, the USBdevice 62 may then be removed from computer 14 and then inserted into aUSB port provided on control unit 17 to thereby upload the settings tothe control unit. The control unit 17 may then download the settingsfrom USB device 62 and store the settings in a memory device alsoprovided in control unit 17, more fully described below. In response toreceiving the settings, control unit 17 then transmits the settings tothe appropriate devices in system 10, more fully described below. Forexample, the settings may include travel limits, “keep out zones” (e.g.no travel zones), stow position, calibration, and motor speed or thelike. The settings in the monitor based control unit may also beprogrammed by the other monitor input control devices, for example thehand held device 70.

Referring again to FIG. 1, control unit 17 is illustrated as a panelmount control unit and, further, which communicates with the monitorbase control unit 36 via RF communication and/or CANbus communicationdepending on the configuration of control unit 36. For example, wherecontrol unit 36 does not include a receiver, the control unit may usethe CANbus for communication with unit 36. It should also be understoodthat control unit 17 may be configured to provide serial communicationas well. Where unit 36 includes a receiver, control unit 17 thereforemay be configured either way to communicate with the monitor basedcontrol unit.

Control unit 17 comprises a microprocessor based control unit and,further, includes user actuatable input devices 64 in communication withthe control unit controller (microprocessor and memory device) thatallow a user to control monitor 12. For example, user actuable devices64 may comprise buttons, which are associated with the actuation ofmotors 32, 34, and 38 to thereby control the positioning of nozzle 24relative to the inlet of the monitor and the stream from nozzle 24. Aspreviously noted, when USB device 62 has been used to download the userselected parameters for controlling monitor 12 and, further, for controlunit 17, control unit 17 controls the motors 32, 34, 38 based on theparameters provided by USB port device 62. For example, as noted above,a user may select the speed in both respective motors so that when auser activates one of the motors using one of the user's input devices64, control unit 17 will send drive signals to the respective motorsbased on the speed selections chosen by the user and transmitted fromcomputer 14 to control unit 17 by USB port device 62. Furthermore,control unit 17 may include a user actuatable device 66, such as abutton, which when activated generates a signal to control unit 36 toreturn the monitor to its stow configuration, which may be stored in thememory device of control unit 17 or monitor based control unit 36. Thecontrol unit 36 then actuates the motors to move the monitor to its stowposition using a position feedback loop provided by sensors describedmore fully below. Furthermore, similar to the speed of the motors, thestow position may be modified based on the parameters stored in USB portdevice and then transmitted to control unit 17 when USB port device 62is plugged into the USB port on control unit 17.

In addition to control unit 17, as noted above monitor 12 may becontrolled using additional or secondary controls. For example, system10 may include one or more handheld controllers 70 and one or morejoystick controllers 72. In addition, one of the joystick controls maybe set as a primary control. Each of the respective additional controlsmay also be configured based on parameters transmitted to control unit17 by USB port device 62. For example, the selections made by the user,for example as shown in FIG. 5, may include the type of input controlunit and, further, the type of communication used by the input controlunit. In the illustrated embodiment, handheld device 70 comprises an RFhandheld device so that when a handheld device is selected by the userusing the software program all the parameters associated with thehandheld device are bundled along with the selection of the type ofhandheld device and, therefore, no type of communication need beselected. In other situations, when identifying a secondary panelmounted control unit 17, for example, in window 44 c the control unit isidentified as a panel mount and, further, as shown, is indicated ashaving CAN communication but with no termination. Since two panelmounted control units may be used, the primary panel mount control unitis identified and selected in window 44 b as the primary input controlunit.

In addition to the secondary controls, the type of communicationprovided by the primary control is identified in window 44 b, aspreviously noted. Therefore, during the initial setup, the primarycontrol (shown as control unit 17) self-configures based on the selectedparameters stored and transmitted to control unit 17 by USB device 62.Further, control unit 17 transmits the prescribed parameters for thesecondary controls to monitor based control unit 36 and to therespective remote control units so that each unit self configures sothat it knows it is sending/receiving serial, CANbus, or RFcommunication signals. For example, if RF communication is used, an RFIDidentification is stored or registered on the respective control units.For serial communication, the switching format may be selected. Forexample, if the controller is making a ground contact to activate thecommand, the switching format is selected as a low side switching. Ifthe control is passing the power signal to activate a command, theswitching format is selected as a high side switching format.

Further, the control units may be configured with multiple formats. Inthe case of a panel mount control unit, for example, the panel mountcontrol unit can have both CAN bus output and an RF receiver, as shown,such that the panel mount control unit may receive input from anotherremote control unit, such as a handheld device, and then forward it ontothe monitor via a CANbus communication. In this manner, the monitor neednot have a receiver.

As noted above, the stow position may be modified by the prescribedparameters stored in USB device 62. The stow position is accomplishedvia position feedback provided by sensors 74 and 76 mounted to themonitor. For example, suitable sensors include potentiometer sensors,including sealed hall effect position sensors available from CTS, whichdetect the position of the outlet around the respective axes. For anexample of a suitable sensor mounting arrangement, reference is madeherein to copending U.S. application entitled FIRE FIGHTING FLUIDDELIVERY DEVICE WITH SENSOR, Ser. No. 11/853,278, filed Sep. 11, 2007,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Referring again to FIG. 2, sensors 74 and 76 are mounted to monitor 12and are respectively mounted about the horizontal and rotational axis ofthe monitor. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the sensors includesa shaft, which when rotates relative to its sensor housing provides adirect indication of the position of the shaft and hence the structureto which it is attached. In the illustrated embodiment, shaft 74 a ofsensor 74 extends into intermediate pipe section 18 b and through outletpipe section 18 a and is fixed at its distal end in a boss 19 formed inoutlet pipe section. The sensor housing, on the other hand, is mountedto intermediate pipe section 18 b so that when outlet pipe sectionpivots about its horizontal pivot axis, sensor 74 will provide directfeedback on the position of the monitor outlet about the horizontalaxis. Similarly, sensor 76 includes a shaft 76 a that extends intointermediate pipe section 18 b and through the monitor base 18 c and isfixed at its distal end in a vane 18 d formed in base 18 c. The sensorhousing is mounted to intermediate pipe section 18 b so that whenintermediate pipe 18 b pivots about its vertical pivot axis about base18 c, sensor 76 will provide direct feedback on the position of themonitor outlet about the vertical axis. For further details of the pivotconnections for and how the motors drive the pipe sections about theirrespective axes, reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 7,243,864, which iscommonly owned by Elkhart Brass Manufacturing, and which is incorporatedby reference in its entirety herein.

The sensors, which are coupled to the monitor base control unit 36,therefore provide direct position feedback to the control system so thatthe respective positions of the articulatable portions of the monitormay be monitored and accurately determined. Furthermore, with thisinformation, control unit 36 and 16 may then drive the respective motorsuntil the monitor is moved to the position associated with thepreselected stow position. Further, this enables the stow position to beset and modified using the computer and computer software, based on theselections made by the user.

In addition to adjusting the stow position of the monitor, as notedabove the oscillation limits, travel limits, and keep out limits of themonitor may be selected and again selected on computer 14 using thedrop-down menu and, further, stored on USB port device 62 fortransmission to control unit 16. By using the sensors to provideposition feedback, infinite travel can be established for maximizingcustomization to installation peculiarities. Stow Position, Oscillatelimits, Travel Limits, Keep Out Limits can all be set by a sequence ofbutton pushes on the controllers as well (fixed and hand held). Further,the restricted travel area does not have to be at the end of the traveland instead can be programmed anywhere in the allowablehorizontal/vertical travel zone.

System 10 may also include a position feedback indicator 80 (FIG. 1).Position feedback indicator 80 may be connected to monitor base controlunit 36 using a CAN or serial communication, with its settings againselected by a user at computer 14. For example, the indicator may haveone or more lights, such as LEDs, that may be configured to blink toindicate when the monitor has reached its desired position or blink toindicate that the monitor has still not been moved to its desiredposition-when the monitor then reaches its desired position the lightsmay stay or on turn off. In the illustrated embodiment, the indicatorincludes two sets of lights, with one set of lights illuminated when themonitor has reached its desired position and other illuminated whenmonitor is moving toward its target position. Again the format for theindicator may be selected or modified using computer 14.

As referenced above, monitor based control unit 36 may be configured forCAN, serial, or “plug in” RF communication and may, therefore, include areceiver. For example, a suitable receiver may include an AEROCOMMreceiver. Control unit 36 also includes a controller. A suitablecontroller includes an integrated UBEC1 control, which allows forvariable voltage input range, for example, a 10 to 30 volt input range,and built in diagnostics capability. Furthermore, the control unitincludes a storage device for storing firmware, which allows forprogrammable motor speed selection, built-in diagnostics capability, andstow position flexibility based on absolute position indication providedby sensors 74 and 76.

Control unit 17 similarly, as understood from the above description,includes a communication system that can be configured for CAN, serial,or “plug in” RF communication. Further, control unit 17 includes anintegrated controller such as a UBCEC1 control, which as noted providesa variable input voltage range, for example 10 to 30 volt input range, atransmitter or transceiver, and a storage device for storing built-indiagnostics and firmware. As noted above, control unit 17 may include aplurality of user actuatable devices, such as buttons 64 and 66, andfurther may also incorporate lights, such as LEDs, to indicate when afunction is selected to thereby provide feedback for all activatedfunctions.

Joystick 72 also may be configured between a CAN, serial, or “plug in”RF communication configuration or protocol and, further, includes acontroller such as an integrated UBCEC1 control. Again, this provide avariable voltage input range such as a 10 to 30 volts and, further,provides storage for built-in diagnostics and storage of firmware. Asuitable joystick may comprise a Rosenbaur style joystick that providesmultiple control functions at the tip of the stick and, further LEDfeedback for command input.

A suitable handheld remote control unit also includes a controller, suchas an integrated UBCEC1 control, and user interface input devices, suchas buttons or a touch screen, and further may include batteries,including rechargeable batteries. In addition, handheld unit 70 may beprovided with in a docking station, with an optional charging station atthe docking station.

Optionally, system 10 may also incorporate a position feedback in-cabdisplay 82, such as an LED display for displaying horizontal andvertical position (including non-graphic display) of the monitor, whichis mounted for example in the cab of a truck. The display may be wiredvia CAN or serial communication to control unit 16 and providesinformation to a person positioned in the cab of a fire truck, forexample. The display may be reconfigured to suit the user's preferences.For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the display 82 may have graphicalrepresentations of the monitor that are located in 360 degree templateswith indicators for angular increments around the 360 degreecircumference of the template. The graphical representations of themonitor may have moving component parts that move in response tomovement of the monitor to show the configuration of the monitor aboutboth axes. Alternately or in addition the indicators for the angularincrements may light up to show the orientation of the monitor's outlet.For another example of a suitable display reference is made to U.S.patent application entitled FIREFIGHTING DEVICE FEEDBACK CONTROL, Ser.No. 12/174,866, filed Jul. 17, 2008 (Attorney Docket No. ELK01 P326A),which is commonly owned by Elkhart Brass Manufacturing of Elkhart Ind.and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

Optionally, control unit 36 may be stored in a housing and, further, ahousing with a clear lid to allow the LED's mounted to the circuit boardto show through. Given the compact size of the control unit housing, thehousing may be mounted to the monitor base as shown in FIG. 1, whichstreamlines wiring. As noted above, the control unit has stored thereinfirmware, which will be configured to restrict vertical downward travelaround the control housing at the extreme ends of the horizontal travellimits.

As noted above, the software program stored in computer 14 may alsoallow firmware updates to be made, for example, via USB device 62. Thesefirmware updates may be transmitted to the computer, for example, bydownloading firmware updates directly, for example, from a website,which updates are then uploaded to the control unit 17 and in turntransmitted to various control units via the selected protocol fromcontrol unit 17. Similarly, the firmware is configured to allowdiagnostic files to be downloaded to control unit 17 and in turnuploaded to USB device 62, which allows the diagnostic files to beforwarded from computer 14 for analysis. For example, diagnostic filesmay track monitor performance and generate error messages if the monitoris not working properly, and also may capture errors in a diagnosticfile along with the basic monitor system configuration.

While several forms of the invention have been shown and described,other forms will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. As noted,the monitor Therefore, it will be understood that the embodiments shownin the drawings and described above are merely for illustrativepurposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention whichis defined by the claims which follow as interpreted under theprinciples of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents.

1. A firefighting monitor system comprising: a monitor; a controllerselectively generating signals to said monitor for controlling saidmonitor; and a computer, said computer configured to receive input froma user relative to said monitor or said controller, said computergenerating an output based on said input, and said output transmitted tosaid controller for controlling said monitor or said controller inaccordance with said output.
 2. The firefighting monitor systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising a portable storage device, saidcomputer adapted to communicate with said portable storage device forstoring said output in said portable storage device, and said controlleradapted to communicate with said portable storage device wherein saidportable storage device transmits said output to said controller.
 3. Thefirefighting monitor system according to claim 1, wherein said monitorincludes an actuator for changing the position or configuration of aportion of the monitor, and said controller selectively generatingsignals for controlling said actuator based on said outputs.
 4. Thefirefighting monitor system according to claim 3, wherein said monitorincludes an inlet and an outlet, said actuator selectively positioningsaid outlet relative to said inlet.
 5. The firefighting monitor systemaccording to claim 4, wherein said actuator comprises a first actuator,said monitor further including a second actuator, said first actuatorchanging the position of said outlet relative to said inlet about afirst axis, and said second actuator changing the position of saidoutlet relative to said inlet about a second axis, and said controllerselectively controlling said first and second actuators based on saidoutput.
 6. The firefighting monitor system according to claim 5, whereinsaid first axis comprises a vertical axis, and said second axiscomprises a horizontal axis.
 7. The firefighting monitor systemaccording to claim 3, wherein said monitor includes a nozzle, saidactuator selectively controlling the shape of the stream through thenozzle.
 8. The firefighting monitor system according to claim 4, whereinsaid actuator has a variable speed motor with a motor speed, saidcontroller adjusting said motor speed based on said output.
 9. Thefirefighting monitor system according to claim 1, wherein said monitorhas an adjustable travel limit, said controller adjusting said travellimit based on said output.
 10. The firefighting monitor systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said monitor has an adjustable stowedposition, said controller adjusting said stowed position based on saidoutput.
 11. The firefighting monitor system according to claim 1,wherein said controller comprises a remote controller, said monitorfurther comprising a monitor-based controller and a receiver, saidremote controller communicating with said receiver via a radio frequencysignal, a serial bus signal, or a CANbus signal.
 12. The fire fightingmonitor system according to claim 11, wherein said remote controller isconfigurable between generating a radio frequency signal, a serial bussignal, or a CANbus signal for communicating with said receiver, andsaid controlled being configured to generate a radio frequency signal, aserial bus signal, or a CANbus signal for communicating with saidreceiver based on said output.
 13. The firefighting monitor systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said controller includes programming, saidprogramming being updated based on said output.
 14. The firefightingmonitor system according to claim 11, wherein said remote controllercomprises a first remote controller, said fire fighting monitor systemcomprising a second remote controller, said output setting commandpriority between said first and second remote controllers.
 15. Thefirefighting monitor system according to claim 5, wherein said firstaxis comprises a horizontal axis, and said second axis comprises avertical axis.
 16. A firefighting monitor system comprising: a monitor;a controller selectively generating signals for controlling saidmonitor, said controller having stored therein parameters relative tosaid monitor; and an input device operable to communicate with saidcontroller, and said input device adapted to communicate with saidcontroller and allow a user to modify at least one of said parameters,upload additional parameters to said controller, or select between saidparameters.
 17. The firefighting monitor system according to claim 16,wherein said controller is a monitor-based controller.
 18. Thefirefighting monitor system according to claim 16, wherein saidcontroller is a controller remote from said monitor.
 19. Thefirefighting monitor system according to claim 16, wherein said inputdevice comprises a computer.
 20. The firefighting monitor systemaccording to claim 16, wherein said input device is configured to allowa user to upload said parameters to said controller.